Former Dixon Mayor Jim Burke passes away at 77

Burke had been diagnosed with cancer but Lee County Coroner's Office has not released a cause of death.

That information was confirmed to 13 WREX by the City of Dixon Friday afternoon. The Lee County Coroner's office tells us Burke passed away early Friday morning.

Burke served four terms as mayor of Dixon before his retirement last year. Burke was elected to his first term in office back in 1999 and served 16 years before deciding not to seek re-election in the Spring of 2015.

Current Dixon Mayor Li Arellano released a statement this afternoon saying, "I was saddened today to learn of the passing of former Mayor Jim Burke. On behalf of the City of Dixon, I wish to thank Jim for his decades of service to the city. Our prayers and deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."